A COUPLE are calling for someone to take responsibility for bags of rubbish which have piled up in a neighbour's garden.

The elderly couple, who live in Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, said the rubbish was attracting vermin and causing major issues for residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said the property was a private dwelling and the responsibility to clear the land lay with the property owner.

It did say the council would however take "necessary action" to enforce the clearance.

The 67-year-old resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “We have tried and tried to get something done but it seems no one is willing to take the responsibility for the mess.

“We have reported it to the council.

“It is so filthy and the mess is causing huge problems for the residents.

“It is attracting rats and the smell is disgusting. The rubbish is piled up against our fence. You don’t want to go out into your own back garden.

"I was going to fix the fence but is there any point? I am waiting for the rubbish to be shifted and then I will fix it.

“There was someone living there but we think they moved out.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The rubbish is piling up against the neighbour's fence

Lancashire Telegraph:

The resident added: “We have lived here for 30 years and never seen anything like this at all.

“Someone needs to take responsibility and remove this rubbish.”

The council confirmed that they received a report on April 6.

The council said: “The investigating officer responded to the resident on April 6, 2022.

"As this is privately owned property, we cannot clarify if and when the waste will be removed, as this responsibility lies with the land owner – not the council. 

“However, the team will continue to carry out the necessary enforcement and, if needed, prosecute the landowners.”

The Lancashire Telegraph attempted to contact the property's inhabitants but got no answer.